Paulsen, Klobuchar Meet with Medical Technology Leaders in Minnetonka

by U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen

Innovation Roundtable

On Wednesday, I was joined by fellow co-chair of the Medical Technology Caucus Senator Klobuchar for a roundtable discussion with medical technology industry leaders in Minnetonka.

We covered topics including legislation to streamline and modernize the FDA, user fee negotiations and other upcoming issues affecting Minnesota's medical device community like the repeal of the medical device tax. I heard loud and clear that inefficiencies and bureaucracy is standing in the way of innovation.

Our global leadership in medical technology innovation is slipping because the FDA's review process has become inefficient, unpredictable, inconsistent and less transparent.  The good news is the House and Senate just passed important reforms to the FDA review process to address these issues with overwhelming bipartisan support. This is an important accomplishment in an often contentious partisan environment.

Watch local TV coverage of the event.

Protecting Jobs

Last Thursday, my legislation to repeal a new $29 billion excise tax on medical devices cleared an important hurdle when it passed the House Ways & Means Committee with bipartisan support. If action isn't taken soon a 2.3% excise tax will be levied on medical devices, regardless of whether a company is profitable or not. 

This tax on medical innovation will hit states like Minnesota hard - forcing many medtech companies to cutback on research and development, layoff workers, move jobs overseas, or worse yet, close their doors altogether. Next, my bill moves to the House floor for a vote. I will continue to fight against this disastrous tax on a great American success story that accounts for over 423,000 jobs in our country - more than 35,000 of those right here in Minnesota.

You can read more about my efforts to protect American innovation by visiting: paulsen.house.gov/InnovationTaxRepeal.

View my conversation with Esme Murphy on WCCO TV's Sunday Morning.

Supporting our Returning Veterans

As our servicemen and women return from serving our country abroad, it is important that we do everything we can to ensure they receive the support they need and deserve. Recently, many brave Minnesota National Guard troops have been returning from long tours overseas, and I am committed to supporting their success as they enter civilian life.

This week, the House passed legislation with strong bipartisan support that provides support for our returning soldiers and other VA programs. The bill also helps our troops that have been wounded in combat by increasing funding for medical and prosthetic research.